Issue 158 14 July 2011

With the increasing technological sophistication of vehicles, it's sometimes easy to overlook the basics. In this week's Product Focus, we look at what is arguably the most fundamental aspect of any vehicle - wheels and tyres.

TreadReader improves tyre management

TreadReader is a 3D laser measurement tool for improving commercial tyre management - reducing fleet fuel, tyre and breakdown costs, cutting CO2 emissions and enhancing road safety. TreadReader replaces manual tyre inspection using tread depth gauges and is available as a hand-held scanner or a fully automatic drive over ramp.

The unique technology scans an area of the tyre to reliably measure tread depth to <0.2mm accuracy and diagnose the tyre wear condition. Continuous monitoring of tyre wear is essential to maximise tyre lifetime and minimise fuel consumption, because as a tyre wears, its rolling resistance reduces by approximately 1/3. Field trials for a fleet of 50 tractor units show potential fuel and tyre savings of over £110,000 pa based on a 3mm tyre replacement policy.





Proven Protection Against Wheel Loss

Losing a wheel could damage rims, wheel nuts, hubs, tyres and chassis parts. There's also the interruption to your daily routine and the effect on your reputation to consider. These matters are all costly, but did you know that wheel loss is a reportable incident resulting in investigation and a possible fine? Worse, the chance of injury or loss of life.

The answer to the problem comes in a simple yet innovative solution from Parma Industries. Low cost Prolock clamps can be easily fitted over adjacent pairs of wheel nuts, thus preventing detachment in the event of loss of clamping force. Prolocks have an established track record for reliability in Europe for over 20 years and are fitted by major fleets in the UK.

Don't lose a wheel - Fit Prolock

1st Choice for Wheel Trims

Image and vehicle presentation are key elements to success in a challenging business environment. Simply fitting eye-catching stainless steel wheel trims does wonders for your vehicle's appearance and sets you apart as a company that cares. .

Parma Industries import and stock a wide range of excellent stainless steel trims for Trucks, Vans, Buses and Coaches. From 16" through to 24.5", we have a style to suit most vehicles backed up with sound product knowledge, friendly and courteous service and prompt delivery.

Make us your first choice: take the first step now by clicking on the button to visit our website. You can view the wheel trim section of our catalogue online, or contact us for a hard copy.






Ask the Michelin Man

Michelin is inviting road transport operators with fleets of up to 15 vehicles to join the 'Ask the Michelin Man' online newsletter. This is an online service set-up to deliver added value for smaller fleets.

The initiative is free of charge and available to fleets across the UK and Ireland, whatever their tyre policy. Companies signing up will receive a monthly email alert that will lead to the e-newsletter that is packed with tyre management advice, fuel-saving tips, competitions, event information and exclusive promotions on Michelin Group tyres and tyre services. It also provides a forum for fleet owners, transport managers and owner-drivers to contact Michelin directly with any truck tyre related issues they may have.

Checkpoint - the Commercial Vehicle Loose Wheel Nut Indicator

Checkpoint is a loose wheel nut indicator that is used extensively by the transport industry as a best practice procedure to detect the possible loosening of wheel nuts on commercial vehicles. Together with daily walk-round inspections, defect reporting and scheduled maintenance requirements, its use allows accurate monitoring of wheel nuts and helps prevent wheel hub damage or wheel detachment.

To complement Checkpoint, we also offer a variety of other wheel nut safety products, including:

  • Surepoint Loose Wheel Nut Indicator
  • Checktag Wheel Nut Retorque Indicators with Data Label
  • Dustite Commercial Vehicle Wheel Nut Dust Cap Indicators
  • Dustite LR A Dustite variant for use on wheel rims fitted with a trim
  • Checklink Wheel Nut Retainer Link
  • Safewheel Complete wheel nut retaining ring - covering all studs on the wheel
  • Checklock Stainless Spring Steel Wheelnut Retainer



Transport Operator: your free industry newspaper

Many of you have already been receiving Transport Operator, the new industry newspaper designed specifically for those involved in operating and maintaining commercial vehicle and passenger transport fleets.

Register your details with us to ensure you receive a regular copy.

Packed with the latest industry news, legal updates, special features and regular workshop and fleet management sections, Transport Operator is essential reading for HGV, LCV and PSV operators, hirers, repairers, dealerships and suppliers. 

Each issue of Transport Operator is mailed for free, nine times a year, to 12,000 recipients across the UK. These recipients are taken on a rotating basis from our much larger, overall database - meaning that you need to register if you'd like to receive every issue. 

To receive each issue direct to your door, please click opposite to register your address details. It's quick, easy and best of all - free!





FORTHCOMING FEATURES:

21 July Van Storage & Racking

28 July Return Loads - Freight Exchange

18 August Fuel Storage

If you would like to advertise in a future edition of Product Focus, or have any further questions or comments, please feel free to email us at info@truckandbuspack.com or call on 0151 427 1950.



© OnTarget Publishing Ltd 2011

 

Previous Editions

Air Conditioning & Servicing
    Equipment

Axles & Suspension

Batteries & Battery
     Management

Bodyshop

Brake, Brake Servicing
     & Brake Components

Brake Testing

Breakdown & Recovery
     Service

Diagnostics

Distributors & Component
     Suppliers

Engines - Components &
     Maintenance

Exhaust & Emissions

Finance and Insurance

Fixed Lifts

Fleet & Traffic Management

Fuel Cards & Fuel Purchase

Fuel Management
    & Fuel Pump Systems

Fuel Storage

Fume Extraction Systems

Lighting

Livery - Graphics - Markings

Load Handling & Load
     Restraint Systems

Lubrication & Lubricants

Mobile Column Lifts

Puncture Prevention

Return Loads -
     Freight Exchange

Reversing Aids 
    & Rear Vision

Safety & Security

Seating - Truck & PSV

Steering

Tachograph

Tail Lifts

Tipper Body Components
     & Hydraulics

Tools & Equipment 

Tracking - Vehicle & Trailer

Trailer Builders

Trailer Components &
     Maintenance

Transmission & Clutches

Transport Legislation
     & Training

Truck Body Components
     & Accessories

Tyre & Wheel Servicing
     Equipment

Van Storage & Racking

Vehicle Washing

Vehicle Weighing

Wheels & Tyres

Windscreens and Windscreen
     Repairs

Workshop Inspection Pits

Workshop Management
     Software

Workshop Premises

Workshop Tools & Equipment